Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on step-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo. It opens in 1972, as the three are members...
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A man makes his way from Mexico to L.A. in the 1920s, gets married and raises a big family there. The movie follows the children until they, too, get married and have children in the 1960s.
Director:
Gregory Nava
Stars:
Jimmy Smits,
Esai Morales,
Edward James Olmos
Mousie and Sad Girl are childhood best friends in a contemporary Los Angeles poor Hispanic neighborhood. But when Sad Girl becomes pregnant by Mousie's boyfriend, a drug dealer named ... See full summary »
Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on step-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo. It opens in 1972, as the three are members of an East L.A. gang known as the "Vatos Locos", and the story focuses on how a violent crime and the influence of narcotics alter their lives. Miklo is incarcerated and sent to San Quentin, where he makes a "home" for himself. Cruz becomes an exceptional artist, but a heroin addiction overcomes him with tragic results. Paco becomes a cop and an enemy to his "carnal", Miklo.
Originally titled "Blood In Blood Out", which is the motto of La Onda, the prison gang in the film. Before the film's release in Spring of 1993, the title and all posters were changed because Disney which produced the film under their Hollywood Pictures banner, felt that it would promote or influence violence especially among the L.A. gangs where the film actually takes place around East Los Angeles. Another possible reason was because of the aftermath of the L.A. riots during this period of time which the studio felt the film's title was too negative. Bound by Honor was chosen and actually portrays the film's message a little more clearly. See more »
Goofs
When Miklo shoots Spider, he falls down a hill, and lands dead on the road, in the first scene his arms are at his sides, in the second scene his arms are stretched above his head, then back at his side again. See more »
Quotes
Miklo:
I may be white from the outside, but I'm brown on the inside, TO THE BONE.
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Crazy Credits
During the end credits we see helicopter shots of Los Angeles. The movie ends with shots of the big tree (pina). See more »
Alternate Versions
UK theatrical release was edited to secure a 18 rating and removed shots of a butterfly knife being twirled. For the video release further 21 sec. were removed. Director's cut runs ca. 10 min. longer. See more »
I first saw this film a few years ago when my brother stumbled across it in a bargain basement basket bin! What a travesty for a start that it had not made a bigger mark at the box office and had been consigned to a cheap basket! I'm sure if released with more fanfare this time it would reach the audience it deserves! It is a story of rival gangs, family, love, betrayal, loyalty, acceptance - every film cliché you could think of.
It thoroughly explores the destiny of its 3 young stars as they struggle to make their way with the life path they have taken. I won't give away the plot as I believe anyway who truly loves films should see this film in its full glory with no knowledge of the plot or how the film eventually plays out.
I have been reading the postings, and many negative comments have been made about this film, but I believe this film stands up to much of its unfair criticism.
I will admit though, that I did squirm at some of Miklo's earlier expressions in the film, but a 3/4 of the way through he really picks up the baton and completely takes over. In fact, he is a revelation.
There are some cheesy bits of dialogue, but I don't think this takes away from the piece in any way.
It is a long film, but it needed to be. I don't think there are ANY scenes they could have done without - it is very effective, just the way it is.
Anybody who has seen it and didn't like it first time round, I employ you to rent it/buy it again and give it another try.
I purchased another copy of it again just a few days ago. I watched it yesterday and was still moved - as if it was the first time I saw it.
Its definitely TOP TEN best film material! MUST SEE!
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I first saw this film a few years ago when my brother stumbled across it in a bargain basement basket bin! What a travesty for a start that it had not made a bigger mark at the box office and had been consigned to a cheap basket! I'm sure if released with more fanfare this time it would reach the audience it deserves! It is a story of rival gangs, family, love, betrayal, loyalty, acceptance - every film cliché you could think of.
It thoroughly explores the destiny of its 3 young stars as they struggle to make their way with the life path they have taken. I won't give away the plot as I believe anyway who truly loves films should see this film in its full glory with no knowledge of the plot or how the film eventually plays out.
I have been reading the postings, and many negative comments have been made about this film, but I believe this film stands up to much of its unfair criticism.
I will admit though, that I did squirm at some of Miklo's earlier expressions in the film, but a 3/4 of the way through he really picks up the baton and completely takes over. In fact, he is a revelation.
There are some cheesy bits of dialogue, but I don't think this takes away from the piece in any way.
It is a long film, but it needed to be. I don't think there are ANY scenes they could have done without - it is very effective, just the way it is.
Anybody who has seen it and didn't like it first time round, I employ you to rent it/buy it again and give it another try.
I purchased another copy of it again just a few days ago. I watched it yesterday and was still moved - as if it was the first time I saw it.
Its definitely TOP TEN best film material! MUST SEE!